WSE 187 III 2006 Direction of Cosmic Rays Experiment Procedure

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Determining the Direction of a Cosmic Ray

Introduction
Cosmic rays feasibly affect a general given area from all possible directions. As we have learned, when cosmic rays approach the Earth from whatever source, upon striking the atmosphere of Earth a cascade effect of a showering of particles (among other things)occurs. Thus it is feasible to conclude that the direction of a Cosmic Ray particle, based on an unknown source and the multitude of particles involved, is sporadic at best. However it is possible to determine the direction of perhaps a portion of this 'wave' of particles.

Materials:

2 scintillators
1 oscilloscope
1 scintillator 'place holding' apparatus
1 measuring tape

Method:
Taking two scintillators already established to be at a set distance apart (to be taken note of and held constant for this exercise), preferably a good deal of distance between the two devices, and utilize the oscilloscope to determine the number of particles passing through each scintillator. Taking note in particular of the numbers calculated by the oscilloscope that predict particles passing through both devices, we repeat the process but turn the scintillators in different directions and repeating the process. We will compare the number of coincidences in each position, and whichever position has the highest number of coincidences will be the most favorable direction of cosmic rays. If there is time, the process should also be repeated with a variable set distance between the two scintillators to get a general feel for error.